Reduction in retention, according to Nicolás Pino, is a "positive step"
Nicolás Pino, president of the Argentine Rural Society (SRA), has welcomed the recent permanent reduction of export taxes announced by President Javier Milei, expressing support for the government's efforts to ease burdens on the agricultural sector. However, Pino has made it clear that the countryside's agenda extends beyond export taxes, encompassing innovation support, institutional stability, and broader economic reforms.
Pino emphasized the importance of strengthening the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), highlighting the need for the institute to continue its focus on research and development to serve producers. He advocated for advancing biotechnology, adopting cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence and robotics, valuing its professional staff, and improving management to enhance agricultural innovation.
Beyond INTA, Pino identified two other key priority topics for the countryside. The first is supporting institutional respect and independence, reinforcing support for the independence of the three branches of government, including judicial independence, as part of a stable framework beneficial to the sector.
The second priority is continuing macroeconomic and regulatory reforms. Pino acknowledged government achievements such as easing currency restrictions, eliminating distortions like the “impuesto país” (country tax), reducing import tariffs, sanitizing the Central Bank’s accounts, expanding credit availability, and lowering country risk—all considered essential for sustained growth and predictability in agroindustry.
In addition to these priorities, Pino is working on creating a layoff fund for the agricultural sector and is advocating for a necessary labor reform in the sector. He also noted that Route 3 is investing quite a bit and that the double lane between Monte and Las Flores is advancing well.
Pino has described his relationship with President Milei as mutually beneficial and praised the President's treatment of people. He also recalled previous ties with Sergio Massa. However, Pino does not claim to represent the entire countryside, stating that he is cautious when analyzing the political situation.
Pino acknowledged the relief brought by the official decision, stating that it allows for the resumption of corn and soybean sowing. He emphasized that the expectation is that the same activity that the field generates will return through the same activity that will be generated following the reduction of withholdings. The agricultural sector, according to Pino, generates almost 4 million jobs.
Regarding the dialogue with the national government, Pino stated that it is "very good" and "direct". He confirmed the invitation to Vice President Victoria Villarruel for the rural event. Despite the positive outlook, Pino remains focused on the challenges ahead, particularly credit, which he identified as a challenge and emphasized the need for productive credits.
Pino expressed his support for broader economic reforms, extending beyond export taxes, in the general-news sphere. He advocated for strengthening the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), emphasizing the importance of research and development, biotechnology, and technological advancements in the finance sector. Pino also highlighted the need for institutional respect and independence, particularly in the political arena, and continued macroeconomic and regulatory reforms, as reported in the business and political sections.
